Chicago

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Don't forget to pack your appetite. With incredible four-and five-star restaurants, innovative fusion hot spots, the best deep-dish pizzerias in the world (the pie was invented here!), and a McDonald's furnished with chairs by Le Corbusier, Chicago offers an array of dining options, from ultra-high-end to super budget.

Top Restaurants in Chicago

Avec

Locals crowd around long communal tables for Mediterranean small plates, such as crushed tomato and olive oil–braised octopus, pheasant sausage with brussels sprouts, and house-cured salumi.

615 W. Randolph St., IL, 312-258-8331, www.avecrestaurant.com

Tags: moderate | great value | open late | small plates

Bluebird

Foodies are swooning over this candlelit wine bar and eatery. The simple and rustic menu is heavy on sharing (think flatbreads with serrano ham and marchego cheese or a simple braised rabbit over fettuccini) while the extensive wine list boasts nearly two-dozen wines by the glass, each for less than 10 bucks.

1749 N. Damen, IL, 773-486-2473, www.bluebirdchicago.com

Tags: romance | moderate | editor pick | great value | trendy

Crust

This newbie pizzeria has the distinction of being the only restaurant in the Midwest that’s 100% certified organic. Everything here is as earthy as it gets, from the delicious, cracker-thin-crust, nouveaux pizzas right down to the crunchy waitstaff. During summer months, relax with a killer cocktail (try the blackberry mint julep or one of the offbeat vodka infusions – everything from espresso and cardamom to horseradish) on the outdoor patio.

2056 W. Division St., IL, 773-235-5511, www.crustchicago.com

Tags: moderate | trendy | patio | pizza | cocktails

Foodlife

Tired shoppers seek refueling at this basement collection of fancy food stands where guests can choose from over a dozen different culinary styles.

845 N. Michigan Ave., IL, 312-335-3663, www.foodlifechicago.com

Tags: family | budget | comfort food

Hot Doug's

The hour-long wait is worth it at restaurateur Doug Sohn’s self-described sausage superstore and encased meat emporium. Never mind the Chicago-style dogs; it’s creations like the Chardonnay-infused rattlesnake sausage with bacon-garlic dijonnaise and Mirabo walnut cheese that everyone’s swooning over. Don’t miss french fries rendered in duck fat on weekends.

3324 N. California St., IL, 773-279-9550, www.hotdougs.com

Tags: budget | local favorite

Molly's Cupcakes

The cupcake craze shows no signs of slowing, as evidenced at this sugary sweet bakery frequented by soccer moms and their bratty broods. Confections are simple, delicious, and easy on the wallet (and try finding another place this side of the Mississippi with swing-set seating at the counter!).

Sepia

This West Loop restaurant has already been dubbed an instant classic. Think
roasted rabbit with ricotta dumplings or slow baked veal breast with mint
noodles in a setting that marries Art Nouveau with simple modern.

123 N. Jefferson St., IL, 312-441-1920, www.sepiachicago.com

Tags: expensive | notable chef | american | editor pick

Sixteen

“The Donald” is determined to put his indelible stamp on Chicago’s dining scene and he’s set to do so with this restaurant inside his eponymous Trump Hotel. Thirty-foot floor to ceiling windows are matched only by chef Frank Brunacci’s robust modern American dishes like a slow-poached red snapper with Yukon Gold potato puree and bacon drizzle.

401 N. Wabash Ave., IL, 877-458-7867, www.trumpchicagohotel.com

Tags: expensive | smart splurge | new american

Tank Sushi

Gastro-centric Lincoln Square has its finest culinary expression at this much ballyhooed fresh-from-the-sea sushi and Japanese restaurant.

4514 N. Lincoln Ave., IL, 773-769-2600, www.tanksushi.com

Tags: moderate | trendy | sushi

The Lobby at the Peninsula

The Windy City isn’t big on late dining, but for an only-in-Chicago experience, head to the Pen’s fifth-floor lobby, order a 12-ounce rib eye, and take in Michigan Avenue through the 20-foot windows.

108 E. Superior St., IL, 312-337-2888, www.peninsula.com

Tags: expensive | smart splurge | views | new american | continental

The Signature Room and Lounge

At the bar and restaurant on the 95th and 96th floors of the John Hancock building you can have cocktails and a sumptuous dinner with your view.

875 N. Michigan Ave., IL, 312-787-9596, www.signatureroom.com

Tags: expensive | smart splurge

The Wiener's Circle

This iconic hot dog stand is where drunken North Siders come to trade barbs with the acerbic staff and dine on greasy food. Not for the faint of heart.